Uniform Guidelines
Cavalry and Marine Uniform and Equipment
2nd Texas Cavalry Co. A, Inc Uniform Regulations
The Uniform Issue is Late 1862 to Mid 1863
The following are taken from the Texas State Archives as the standard uniform requirements on the date of the secession of Texas from the Union. Texas State Militia requirements were that their uniform was, “Noticeable from all other nationalities operating on the border, especially the uniform of nations foreign to the state and noticeable from a distance that they were not a band of hostiles or any other group.”
The French and Mexican forces wore a blue or sky blue tunic whereas the Texas Militia wore grey.
( We will make uniform adjustments for the cavalry uniform for legitimate medical reasons only)
1. Hat- Black slouch hat is preferred for officers. Both black or brown are acceptable. State of Texas Militia kepi w/ yellow band and Texas Star (on front) and small #2 on top for enlisted/NCO's. No other kepi is acceptable. NCO's may opt to use the slouch without any cording. Officers hat cord is to be worn by officers only.
2. Coat- 7 or 9 button state militia grey or butternut sack coat for all enlisted with State of Texas Militia buttons. Waist length coat (Shell Jacket), butternut or grey. Standard frock coat for officers with State of Texas buttons. No poly blends or modern man made materials are permitted.
3. Pants- Cavalry pattern pants are preferred, but were not always available. Sky blue with stripe (if available) for officers, grey wool, white cotton (preferred) or off white cotton for all members.
4. Leather- Black, russet or tarred belt with State of Texas oval or rectangle star. Black, or russet cap box, black, brown or russet ammunition box or carbine box. ( Bayonet and scabbard optional)
Try to get all of the leather in one color. Belt with oval or round 2 piece (Texas) buckle for officers. (Saber belt preferred but not necessary)
5. Shoes- Brown or black “rough” Brogans for enlisted, black boots for officers. ( Consideration will be made for medical problems. Please try to get a shoe as close to a Brogan as possible)
6. Weapon- Enfield musketoon, Enfield rifle or Springfield rifle preferred. Sharps carbine, Sharps rifle or Henry pattern rifle for officers and NCO use. Pistols of the Colt or Remington pattern in .36 or .44 cal for personnel.
7. Canteen- wood, tin or blanket covered canteens are allowed. Blanket color is optional but light blue or grey is preferred. No visible stainless steel. Stainless steel canteens may be used, but they must be covered.
8. Haversack- White cotton canvas, black dyed canvas, tarred canvas or tapestry pattern. NCOs’ or officers “private purchase” may be made of leather in either black, brown or russet.
9. Saber- Optional. Standard issue M1860 Cavalry Saber with sword knot. Officers may opt to carry same saber or officers sword.
10. Great Coat- 1855-1862 standard issue civilian, military (Federal blue, Sky blue, Grey or Butternut) all with Texas State Militia buttons.
11. NCO Chevrons- Black chevrons for corporals and sergeants.
All members are required to supply their own ammunition, caps and powder. The unit DOES NOT supply these items. Sutlers have the items you will need for making your cartridges. You may purchase powder and caps from the unit if they are available.
Please check with us BEFORE purchasing any items. We work with various sutlers to provide uniforms. Please check our Suppliers page for addresses. We have a pre-filled order form and special price list for initial uniform supply.
You have 30 days after joining to acquire your uniform and leathers. Depending upon your jurisdiction, it may take longer to obtain your firearm.
Camping equipment will be of the period pattern. Enlisted are to obtain a regulation A frame or dog tent. Wall tents are NOT to be used by enlisted personnel.
C.S.M.C.
(Confederate States Marine Corps)
The 2nd Texas also does an alternate impression, which is strictly voluntary and is currently relegated to living histories. It is the impression of the Confederate Marines. Below are the uniform Guidelines. The uniforms of the Confederate Marines were alike. There was minor variation (some equipment and locations of local depots) as they were issued directly by the Confederate Government, unlike state militias which issued clothing items and equipment when available. There is NO deviation from these uniform regulations.
1. Hat- Federal blue kepi with Roman block "M" buttons on chin strap.
2. Sack Coat (Preferred)- 7 button Richmond Gray (charcoal) sack coat with Roman block "M" buttons. (Field Issue early to mid War)
a.) Cadet Gray 7 button sack coat with Roman block "M" buttons, (dress)
b.) Coat- 7 button Cadet Grey frock coat with Roman block "M" buttons on front and 2 Roman block "M" buttons on rear. The frock will have black collar facings and black cuffs.This coat is a secondary purchase for cold weather and parade.
d.) NCO personnel shall wear their chevrons "point up" as opposed to the army chevrons. The chevrons shall be gold on blue field for cadet gray or frock coat or USMC crimson and gold on Richmond Gray coat.
3. Pants- White cotton canvas pants for summer, Navy (Federal) blue wool for winter.
4. Footwear- Standard issue Brogans (black)
5. Belt- Standard black leather or tarred belt with plain brass buckle.
6. Haversack- Black tarred or white cotton.
7. Ammunition Box- Black carbine box or regular ammunition box with white cotton box strap.
8. Cap Box- Standard black cap box.
9. Canteen- Grey or light blue blanket covered.
10. Bayonet- For rifle. No bayonet for carbine.
11. Weapon- Enfield Rifle, Enfield Musketoon (for coastal defense artillery or raiders) or Springfield Rifle.
12. Knapsack- 2 compartment tarred or Pritchett Pack.
13. Canvas gaiters. (Cotton for land Tarred for ship) Most wore cotton gaiters.
This is the authorized uniform for Company C Richmond/Drewery's Bluff and the CSS Alabama.
MANASSAS CSMC UNIFORM
THIS UNIFORM WILL BE MANDATORY IF YOU INTEND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 150th MANASSAS EVENT!!
1. FEDERAL BLUE KEPI w/ MARINE CORPS PIN (PIN WILL BE PROVIDED)
2. GRAY FLANNEL BATTLE (NAVY OVERALL TYPE) SHIRT
3. RED BIB SHIRT
4. WHITE OR OFF WHITE CANVAS PANTS (OFF WHITE PREFERRED FOR ENLISTED)
5. PLAIN BRASS BELT BUCKLE
6. BROGANS OR BOOTS THAT CAN PASS FOR THEM (MEDICAL EXCUSES TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION)
7. CANTEEN / HAVERSACK / BLACK BELT AND ACCOUTERMENTS
8. WHITE HAVELOCK
9. WHITE GAITERS
THIS UNIFORM WAS APPROVED BY THE CSMC NATIONAL COMMANDER FOR USE AT THIS EVENT. NO DEVIATION WILL BE ALLOWED
If you are interested in doing this impression, please contact us before purchasing anything. Some of the items are very specific and difficult to obtain. For uniformity, we will obtain a price (including shipping) and order the equipment that you need. You MUST HAVE the above listed equipment to field as a marine. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS for the uniform standards. We are attempting to portray the CS Marines as accurately as possible. For more information please contact csmarinecorps@gmail.com